If You’d Like to Go to Amsterdam Instead

So, you’re probably burning to ask this question: What if Hong Kong is not exactly the place you want to visit? What if you just want to visit Amsterdam, instead? Here are a few travel tips to Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Tips on How to Tour Amsterdam Like A Local

One of the things that wil strike you about Amsterdam is its city streets that always seem to be full of life. Take De Negen Straatjes, for instance. Literally Nine Streets, this tourist destination is located right in the heart of Amsterdam’s canal district. Leading you away from the stress of city life, these streets happily give you your much-needed fill of art galleries, vintage shops, and designer boutiques that are a far cry from the world you had probably gotten used to.

If you’re a meat person and are always craving for a slab wherever you are, then you’re in luck. Amsterdam boasts of one of the best steaks in the world, from Black and Blue. You can find it in downtown Amsterdam, but the better treat is the fact that in Black and Blue you’re bound to find yourself surrounded with locals, all willing to give you insider tips on where to go and what to see in Amsterdam.

Just in case you’re traveling with kids, there’s also a good destination in Amsterdam that’ll help you hit two birds with one stone – keep them interested, and not ruin your own vacation. First, you can take them to Riksmuseum using your Rijksmuseum tickets. Second, you can very well take them to the NEMO Science Museum, which will allow your children to experience a tour that’s both educational and entertaining at the same time.

You’ve also got to try the Albert Cuyp Markt, which is a huge open-plan marketplace, dominated by Amsterdam residents. Breathe in the local air and have a more authentic experience of the local culture by trying out each stall, each cafe, each shop (TIP: You must absolutely try the traditional red herring). You may also want to pick up some souvenirs along the way, just so you can get a little reminder that you are, after all, still a tourist on vacation.

Here’s something you need to anticipate, though, whenever you find yourself in foreign (and therefore unfamiliar) territory. In spite of all the probable fun you are going to have, and all the tours in store for you, it’s still best to settle your accommodation, first and foremost. So, before settling the tour packages, first make sure you have a hotel to come home to after every day of sightseeing.

When visiting Hong Kong, or maybe even Las Vegas, always check the available rooms in Hong Kong or Las Vegas hoteles. It’s better to be safe than sorry, even for travel goals, so always plan ahead.

In case you are worried about where to stay, there’s also really nothing to worry about. There are countless options in Amsterdam when it comes to hotels, hostels, apartment rentals, and even the option to live with locals. All you have to do is to key in ‘first time in Amsterdam where to stay’ on your favorite search engine, and you’re sure to see a long list of options, and then the next thing you have to do is to simply choose.

One last tip: when visiting Amsterdam for this year, don’t forget to purchase the I Amsterdam Card 2018. This little card, while seemingly insignificant, is actually your ticket to a lot of sights and experiences in Amsterdam.

Maya Lin worked as a travel agent and tour specialist for several years before going full time as a travel writer. She values the kind of tourism that recognizes responsibility, and always tries to bring this out in whatever article she writes. As much as possible, she always strives to instill these values in the people she meets, whether foreign or familiar.